HUNTER, NSW, cattle producer Tony Hegarty is shaping up as the likely new president of Cattle Council of Australia, set to replace incumbent Queenslander Howard Smith who has completed a four-year term.

Mr Hegarty, who runs the 1000 hectare property Cassilis property Belvedere with his wife Jane, is currently the vice president of Cattle Council.

The presidency will be decided at the peak industry council’s annual general meeting in Canberra on November 20.

Under Cattle Council’s current rules the president is appointed by the board and can serve a maximum four year term. It is not known if other board members are seeking the top position.

Howard Smith is standing down as Cattle Council of Australia president after completing a four-year term.

Chief executive officer Margo Andrae said based on the nominations received for the six board positions up for election, Cattle Council was set to welcome three new directors at the AGM.

Two new Victorian representatives have been nominated, with Olivia Lawson seeking endorsement as independent director (southern) and Peter Starr as the VFF’s new board representative.

AgForce has nominated Lloyd Hick, Thorntonia, Camooweal, as its delegate to the board, while fellow Queenslander David Hill, Clarke Creek, was unopposed as independent director (northern). Incumbent directors Geoff Pearson (WA Farmers) and Amanda Giles (Livestock SA) have also been nominated to remain on as directors.

They will join Cattle Council vice president Tony Hegarty (NSW Farmers), Markus Rathsmann (NT Cattlemen’s Association), Brett Hall (Tasmanian Farmers & Graziers Association) and David Lovelock (Pastoralists and Graziers Association of WA), who are half-way through their current two-year terms.

“Renewal is about bringing on new leaders who offer a diverse range of experiences and qualifications, who are capable of stepping-up to represent producers and to ensure smooth succession and continuity our advocacy agenda,” Ms Andrae said.

Rolleston based Howard Smith first elected as president in 2014.

“Howard’s passion and leadership has strengthened Cattle Council’s position for the future,” Ms Andrae said.

“And the producers who have put their hand up to join the board will help further strengthen Cattle Council as a robust and effective voice for all Australian beef cattle producers.

“We encourage members to get involved in the AGM process because that grassroots participation drives Cattle Council’s effective advocacy and makes it an integral part of Australia’s beef industry.

"That's why we remain committed to the development of a direct election model, which will be presented in draft at the 2018 AGM, so that representation from the ground-up is even stronger.

“We want to build on our existing strengths and ensure we have the best structures in place in the years to come to unite the industry and speak with one voice."